Download Aristotelian Appeals: Logos, Ethos, and Pathos - Mrs-Morris

Aristotelian Appeals: Logos, Ethos, and Pathos
Whenever you read an argument you must ask yourself, “Is this persuasive? If so, why? And to whom?” There are many ways to appeal to an
audience. Among them are appealing to logos, ethos, and pathos. These appeals are identifiable in almost all arguments.
To Appeal to LOGOS
(logic, reasoning)
To Develop or Appeal to ETHOS
(character, ethics)
To Appeal to PATHOS
(emotion)
: the argument/message itself; the reasoning the : how an author builds credibility & trustworthiness
author uses; logical evidence
: words or passages an author uses to activate
emotions in his/her audience
Types of LOGOS Appeals
Types of PATHOS Appeals
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Theories / scientific facts
Indicated meanings or reasons
Literal or historical analogies
Definitions
Factual data & statistics
Quotations
Citations from experts & authorities
Informed opinions
Examples (real-life examples)
Personal anecdotes
Effect on Audience
Ways to Develop ETHOS
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Author’s profession / background
Author’s publication
Appearing sincere, fair minded, knowledgeable
Conceding to opposition where appropriate
Morally / ethically likeable
Appropriate language for audience and subject
Appropriate vocabulary
Correct grammar
Professional format
Effect on Audience
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Emotionally loaded language
Vivid descriptions
Emotional examples
Anecdotes, testimonies, or narratives about
emotional experiences or events
Figurative language
Emotional tone (humor, sarcasm,
disappointment, excitement, etc.)
Effect on Audience
Evokes a cognitive, rational response.
Helps reader to see the author as reliable, trustworthy, Evokes an emotional response. Persuasion by
Readers get a sense of, “Oh, that makes sense” competent, and credible. The reader might respect the emotion. (usually evoking fear, sympathy,
or “Hmm, that really doesn’t prove anything.” author or his/her views.
empathy, anger)
Counterargument / Concession / Refutation:
1. ACKNOWLEDGE the arguments against your thesis / points you make
2. CONCEDE (if necessary) any points you know you can't win
3. Use a TRANSITION (BUT, HOWEVER...) to twist back into your refutation.
Example:
Some may argue that texting while driving leads to people dying. It's true the people who have lost loved ones at the
hands of distracted drivers have been devastated. I couldn't possibly understand their pain. However, anything in a
car can distract us--changing the channel, drinking a coffee, reading a billboard--so it's unfair to blame the
cell phone for the accident. People who are irresponsible drivers and let themselves be distracted deserve to
have their license taken away or not given one in the first place.